C2 And Snow

May have a deal on a C2 and was wondering how the car does in snow. Spoke with one person who says it is fantastic in the snow with the right tires. Any thoughts appreciated.

Ya wanna see what the C2 can do on the snow. Check this video out 64Mb. The C2 on snow is about 3 minutes into the video http://www.lotus-elise.org.uk/stuff/...ife_winter.mpg

I hope you are not buying a car from the person that told you it is great in the snow! If you have 17" w/ snow tires and the snow accumulation is low, it is still poor at best.

No he is not the one selling. I am still waiting for my c4s cab which is due in Sept. The dealer had an 03 c2 cab with aero kit and other options with only 1380 miles on the car....it was just a thought.

Mark can you tell us a bit more about your experience with this? I was thinking of mounting snow tires on the old 17" rims I have for my 99 and putting it to work this winter. But maybe I should reconsider ... Please give me some more detail. I have to say I'll be surprised if with a good set of snow tires that it isn't pretty decent in the snow. Seems like it has a lot going for it, ie lots of weight over the rear wheels.

My experience is being in a friends car multiple times in the Midwest in probably 3 - 5 inches of snow. With the regular tires (dont recall which ones), basically no traction on any type of incline and minimal traction anyplace else. This immediately kicked in the Traction Control (it was a 99) which effectively shut the car down. Turning off the traction control the wheels spin in place but really pushed the back end around more than a normal RWD. Somewhat better with snow tires in similar conditions but far from being what I would consider safe. You reach the potential for losing control much sooner than in another car based on 1) this car was designed for speed nit snow; 2) false since of security with the snow tires; and 3) RWD / engine location (lots of weight but more chances to lose control). The oversteer was obviously more dramatic in the snow and without TC, flat out dangerous! Also, no matter what car you are talking about, snow tires are much better on smaller rims. 17" sport rims really limit the effectiveness of snow tires, I think. C2 or C4, 17" or 18", think about the distance between the undercarriage and the ground and what you encounter in snow conditions. Buying a sports car is not the same thing as buying an SUV that can be used as a year round driver....if that makes sense. Of course, this is my experience but I think that it is very important to realize that this car CAN be driven the the snow but that does not mean that it is ADVISABLE. Just my .02. Snowmobiler's, Flame Away!

I drive my 993 C2S in the snow all the time. I use Pirelli snow tires and it has great grip. I have never been stuck or out of control, but when the snow is more than 3 or 4 inches I would leave it at home. You do have to know what your car is doing because as was mentioned the back end can step out. Just be light on the throttle and you will be fine. Don't even think about driving it without proper snow tires though. You WILL end up off road or worse.

Mark, Thanks for the follow up!

With proper snow tires the 996 C2 is a stellar performer in snow. I don't know what the naysayers are basing their experience on, but I can give you my hand's on with a series of snowy winters in the NE. Never , ever an issue, it just goes. With standard tires watch out. That's like playing golf in your wing-tips. perry

Perry, Thanks for the info ... amazing how different the opinions on this subject! What type of tires and rims did this C2 have on it? I'm thinking of Blizzaks on 17" rims. Any advice would be welcome. -pete

My experience with a MY03 996 C2 equipped with 17 inch snow tires is that it does well. As suggested above, you need to be light on the throttle and remember that snow tires are not performance tires. Prudent driving and consideration of conditions are suggested. I found the C2 to be great fun all of last winter with lots of snow here in the Boston area. Bob

OK, I have thick skin so I am not offended BUT let me clarify. First of all, I have lived in Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, Denver and other snowy places. Snow is snow but an inch or two not much to talk about! Second, how are we defining what 'good in the snow' means? For example, an SUV of any make is going to be better than most cars and an exotic with summer tires will be at the opposite (and negative) end of the spectrum. Third, a 996 or any other car with snow tires will be better than one without. However, that doesnt make it good in the snow. Fourth, recent picture posts on snow testing of the 997 aside, porsche spent more time and money on high speed performance than snow and ice conditions. To summarize -- if you are going to drive a 996 in the snow: 1) you should have snow tires; 2) you will get better performance from your snow tires on a smaller rim (my opinion) 3) the 996 is very low to the ground ... once you get past a few inches of snow, it may be better to leave it at home and take the Range Rover! Thats what I do anyway.

Pete, I run the 17" standard wheels, using Dunlop Winter sport M2. I've also ran Pirelli winter and Michelin winter on other cars. I'd stay away from the blizzaks, unless they have improved them. Older models were good in snow, but too soft for regualr driving. With the weight on the rear wheels and the proper rubber, you are good to go. Perry Perry

Pete, For what it is worth. I am running 17" Factory Technology style wheels with Blizzak 205/50HR-17 LM-22 in the front and 205/50HR-17 Blizzak LM-22 in the rear for my winter set-up. My experience with the Blizzaks has been positive though I have not tried the Michelins or Pirellis on the C2. Bob

Does the stability management offer alot in the snow on the c2?

I should have noted in the above posts that I do not have PSM on my C2. Perhaps some of the other snowmobilers can provide perspective. Bob

If the 996 (or any Porsche) wasn't designed for snow, then why would Porsche spend hundreds of hours testing snow tires to give them N-ratings? I plan to drive the C4S through the winter on proper tires. My wife and I only have the need and space for one car, so we figure 12 months of fun is just fine. If the car gets a few chips, so be it. It's not a collectable for us, we just enjoy driving it. When I get the Carrera GT, that will stay inside

Hmmm.... so the guy in the video using winter contis must be driving on white powder. Have you guys watched this? I think this video answers mumanoff's original question. Being a bit pedantic myself, I don't like to use my car in the snow. But when I have I have not had any problems on the street so long as I take it easy....and my car sits well low with the ROW M030 mods and my wheels are 19". Sure its no SUV but if I really have to take it out in the snow it handles just as good as any other car....and maybe even better.

Don't know about the C2, but if I were you I'd hold out for the C4. Mine is excellent in the snow, and by that I mean better than any other non-AWD vehicle. I'll never own another sports car that isn't AWD for that reason.

mike-i have driven c2's and c4's, with and without traction/psm in the snow. you MUST use winter tires. psm is extremely helpful. if i were you, i would wait for your c4s-it drives much better in snow than a c2. the c2 is ok in a pinch. the c4s will be a good winter car, for all conditions except deep snow. wait for your c4s-pass on the c2 cab.

Man, I Dunno, from the looks of that video with studded snow tires that is down right scary especially if you are in traffic!

Decision made.....could I beat a dead horse anymore. Thanks for putting up with my queries. C4S CAB !!!!!!

http://content3.eu.porsche.com/prod/...ra_models.nsf/ I had to think about this?

Sorry I tried to post a pic of c4s cab from Porsche Germany website.

Good video, even had a little Aphex Twin in it. Very slow to download though - took 10 to 15 minutes or so w/broadband. You aren't going to drive in the snow like that in a city though. Not unless you've got nerves of steel and the skills to match.

Pat and some Random Alias ????? Yea I agree. But it shure shows what it's capable of. I have sat and watched that vid over and over again. Its brilliant.